Swans fly by chalk cliffs as a ferry steams toward Sweden.

Chalk Cliffs of Rügen

A trio of chalk-white
swans fly by the chalk cliffs in the early morning.

The chalk was formed
during the Cretaceous Period, 144 to 65 million
years ago. Better known for its dinosaurs, the name of the period
derives from the countless micro-organisms whose shells
settled on the sea floor (Creta being the
Latin word for chalk).

The cliffs shown here
are near Sassnitz, the wooded land on the top being Nationalpark Jasmund.
There are other cliffs, such as pictured below, which are not
quite as white but nonetheless composed of chalk. It isn’t the most
stable geology, slides are not uncommon, and lives have been lost
when people have hiked too near the edge. It’s a sight worth seeing,
but due caution is strongly advised.